Stoehr lands first roster addition as Techsters coach

Nikki McDonald, right, is transferring from Elon to Louisiana Tech, the school announced Thursday.(Photo: CAA Photos, Rafael Suanes/CAA)

New Louisiana Tech women's basketball coach Brooke Stoehr has added her first piece to the Lady Techsters' roster.

Elon transfer Nikki McDonald committed to play at Tech on Wednesday and the Techsters on Thursday announced her addition to the program. The 6-foot guard will enroll in class this summer and sit out the 2017 season due to NCAA transfer rules. She has three years of eligibility remaining.

The Atlanta native averaged 4.4 points and 3.7 rebounds as a freshman for Elon. She started 16 of 30 games and shot 35 percent from the field and 30 percent from the 3-point line. Elon plays in the Colonial Athletic Association.

“I chose Louisiana Tech because of its history and the legacy behind the women’s basketball program is tremendous,” McDonald said in a news release. “To be part of such a great program and to be coached by a great coaching staff is such an honor. The success coach Brooke and coach Scott (Stoehr) had at Northwestern State will surely carry over here."

McDonald plans to major in mechanical engineering and chose Tech in part due to its engineering program.

In 2018, McDonald will join a backcourt that includes McLeod and Kierra Anthony, Jasmine LeBlanc and Dawn Gipson, who will all be juniors that year. Tech will lose seniors Ashley Santos and Rochelle Vasquez after the 2017 season.

"Nikki has a high motor and has the ability to play multiple positions on the floor due to her versatility," Stoehr said in a news release. "She has a workmanlike approach to her academic and athletic career that will serve her well as she pursues a degree from our prestigious College of Engineering. Nikki and her family will be tremendous additions to the Louisiana Tech Family.”